The online space and social media as a whole is awash with all kinds of content. And both the young and old are trying to reap tyhe benefits that comes with monetization of content.
In Kenya the numbers of content creators keep rising by the day, and with it comes the occasional conflict.
A recent disagreement is that of Dentsu School of Influence and some content creators. This after the school invited hundreds of digital influencers for an interview that left many disappointed following disagreements over clauses in the contract.
According to some of the influencers who took to the “streets” of social media to air their disappointment, the school would retain and reserve all the rights from the posts and reels posted on that day. Many did not agree.
Others argued the school provided a platform to network and the influencers received free merchandise to create content with.
Here are some tips from the kings and queens thriving in different platforms churning out content; from digital marketing, thrifting business, runway and commercial modelling and many more.
MURUGI MUNYI
Encourages the young people to start small and now with what you have, “Do not say you are waiting to get the latest iPhone or to move into an aesthetically pleasing house.
“Just start now because there is never a perfect time to start. Secondly be consistent. Decide on a schedule for your content and stick to it as much as possible.”
She also reminds the young to be true to themselves adding that everyone has something to offer even if the space seems saturated!
On creating a sustainable brand, Murugi says remaining authentic, consistent and always over-delivering by giving brands more than what they expect and they will keep coming back to work with you.
“Ensure that you are providing value to the brand and to your audience at the same time,” she said.
Additionally, trying to copy someone else’s style of content or trying to be like someone else on social media to emulate their success are some of the notable mistakes the young people do when trying to join the space.
MAUREEN BANDARI
For the young ladies keen to join the beauty industry or content creation, she advises one to find something that they love and create a niche there. Saying one needs to do extensive research and understanding of the field.
“One thing I have come to realise is once you know your staff, then the customers are able to depend on you and believe in your craft enough for them to give you their money. So always find a problem and then figure out what kind of solution you can bring to the market,” she said.
On creating content, Bandari says the secret is personalizing content to suite different marketing platforms.
“Creating a brand is easy and hard at the same time. You have to consider things around the Continuity of your business. The problem is people just think of now rather than to think of the longevity of the brand.
“Things like what kind of channels do I use to do marketing? How do I maintain these particular customers? What are my brand colours?”
She adds that even simple things as choice of a logo that represents your brand and vision contribute a lot
“How do I envision this particular brand, let us say on billboard somewhere? So the moment you start asking yourself all this particular question and then you strive to answer them daily then ideally what you do is building a brand that can be able to last even way beyond you being in the business.”
MAUREEN NKATHA
For the queen of thrift business, Nkatha K attributes her success for her Kairetu apparel to aligning yourself with the right team that carry the vision of the business is one of the attributes that has kept the business alive while also working for other brands.
“By hiring people who love Kairetu’s Apparel as much as I do has really helped me focus on Content creation. Where I can now deliver for other brands,” she says.
According to the graduate of Food Science and Technology from Egerton University and who also strives to bring newness in the clothing industry, there is future with more made in Kenya clothing brands.
“I see talented designers emerging and bringing newness to the industry, I see Kenyan designers getting recognition globally and above all I am hopeful for diverse designs and not same piece/designs from different the made-in-Kenya business. My plan is to bring newness to the industry and cater to the diverse market having sustainability in mind,” she says.
JEAN OJIRO
A celebrated and accomplished runway and commercial model having appeared in several TV and editorial commercials, Jean Ojiro’s advice is to put your fears aside and to start especially in applying and auditioning for commercial roles.
“You will get very many Nos along the way but you will also get a ton of Yeses, believe in yourself, shoot that shot and remember not even the sky is the limit,” she said.
She further encourages young girls to audition as many times as possible as it equips and exposes them to many opportunity, encouraging school going students to try and strike a balance.
“It is extremely difficult to balance both but when you are driven, anything is possible. I am glad all my classes were usually half day so I could work on content in the evening or on weekends and during exams, I would properly transnight,” says Ojiro.
ABEDNEGO BHINGI
For young and aspiring models aiming to join both runway and commercial modelling, Bhingi has this for you, “focus on three key areas: hard work, working smart, and authenticity. Hard Work: Modelling is highly competitive, so be prepared to invest time in perfecting your walk, poses, and overall fitness. Consistency and discipline go a long way. Work Smart: Learn the industry,” he advises.
“Understand what agencies and clients are looking for, build a diverse portfolio and network strategically. Quality connections and a solid online presence can set you apart. Authenticity: Stay true to yourself. Authenticity shines through and makes you memorable. Embrace what makes you unique – it is often what will set you,” he added.
Mistakes Bhingi sees in upcoming models include many trying to copy but according to him, lasting success requires genuine effort and learning the fundamentals.
“Some try to copy others instead of embracing their own unique talents and perspectives. Authenticity goes a long way saying the industry values people who bring fresh ideas, not just follow trends,” he adds.
Bhingi concluded by encouraging everyone to embrace life; “Staying true to yourself and embracing life authenticity in all aspects, ensures that you remain grounded and fulfilled. As we move forward, staying positive and focused on our aspirations is key, knowing that the challenges we face only make us stronger and more equipped for the future,” says the seasoned model.
DARIUS ABALA
For Darius Abala, Mr Kenya’s first runners up modelling has been an amazing journey on his side, encouraging fellow models to learn how to monetize the skills.
‘’I have learnt how to make money with my skill but the despite financial challenges to invest on skills and for connect with the right audience,’’ he said
Abala also encourages the models to have managers that will help in negotiating and safe guarding their interest in terms of rate card and portfolio.
A tip for a good competition on a national scale, Abala says mental preparation, consistent Dieting plan, workout, mirror practice and research on the pageant you want to compete are some of the key aspects to putting out a great performance.
According to him a beauty crown is more than the symbol of the crown itself, it is a responsibility that is assumed, ’the crown does not make a model, the model makes the crown, he said urging reining kings and queens to use the various titles spear head projects and do things that impact the society in the right way.
WAKUBWA MIQUEL
“Social media is a very cool space with lots to learn and a lot of people to meet,” this is according to, product manager and creative lifestyle digital creator, Wakubwa Miquel.
He says one critical advice is to have a strong why as to why you are in content. For one to survive in the game especially those starting out.
“Money should not come first, as one needs to grow in the space and craft. Try as much as possible to collaborate with people in your space in order to tap into different audiences and have a value exchange with other creators,” he says. Wakubwa whose mantra in life is “one per cent better daily”, encourages content creators to be authentic for them to stand out in their craft saying, “do not go overboard to try fake a lifestyle what you do, where you go and people you are with. Your content is basically your life or rather parts of your life.”
